Curry's
Barrie

About Curry's Barrie

In 1911, Fred Curry opened his Art Supply store at the corner of Yonge and Bloor Streets in downtown Toronto. Initially, although he carried artist materials and photographic equipment, the business revolved around custom framing and the sale of oil paintings, watercolour paintings and etchings. Customers would often visit Fred to learn of his latest European buying trip while their horses were shoed and new harnesses and bridles were fitted at the blacksmith shop two stores north of Curry's. Business thrived during the 1920's as framing and gallery sales moved his enterprise forward. The depression of the 1930's, however, drove Fred and many others to the brink. The store stayed open from 7A.M. to 11P.M. six days a week.

During those difficult years, the family lived above the store and, while Fred rested, his young daughter would staff the empty store. To...